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speed review

Speed Review: “The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)” by Amy Spalding

Title: The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)

Author: Amy Spalding

Published: April 5th, 2016

Publisher: Poppy

Find the Author: Goodreads


I received this book for review! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.



A ridiculously cute, formerly-famous new guy dropping into your life? It’s practically every girl’s dream.

But not Jules McCallister-Morgan’s.

I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn’t get to be the editor of my school’s long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year-early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college-and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to “live a little,” or boys.
At least, that was the plan before I knew about Alex Powell**.
And before Alex Powell betrayed me***.
I know what you’re thinking: Calm down, Jules. But you don’t understand. This stuff matters. This is my life. And I’m not going down without a fight.
—-
* Okay, I sort of did. But it’s a sore subject.
** I mean, I guess everyone knows about Alex Powell? Two years ago, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about viral video boy band sensation Chaos 4 All. Two years ago, Alex Powell was famous.
***Some people think I’m overreacting. But this. Means. War.

Filled with romance, rivalry, and passive-aggressive dog walking, Amy Spalding delivers a hilariously relatable high school story that’s sure to have you falling for The New Guy.

definition: a “speed review” is a meme on Pretty Little Memoirs, specialized for short reads, galley copies, reviews for lovereading.co.uk or novellas!

When I’m looking for a feel-good, YA Contemporary to get me out of a reading rut, I turn to my NetGalley shelf. I know I should read more eBooks but I’ve always preferred books in hand, you know? The feel of turning the pages and new book smell. But The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions) drew me away from that and actually got me out of a Galley rut.

Jules McCallister-Morgan knows exactly what she wants and she’s not afraid to fight for it, either. Journalism is her great love, among striving to attend an Ivy-league school. When formerly major-famous Alex joins her school and she’s picked to give him a tour, she plays dumb to his viral famous nature. But just as quick as they became close, a wedge is driven between them. Knocked off her course, charismatic and snarky Jules fights her way to the top in this sweet, charming YA book. 

I was totally won over by The New Guy. Not only did it deliver what it promised, but there was a kick-ass heroine and brilliant character development too. It wasn’t overly complicated to get into and was a fun, great read. I love that reading it was a breeze and it was funny and smart and all the things a YA novel should be. How close Jules was to her Mom’s and Alex and Jules’s back-and-forth’s were some of the great highlights and I loved how Amy wrote their personalities so relateable. Definite four-star novel with poise and charisma. 

Have you read The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions)?

What did you think?

Let me know in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs!

happy reading!
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Speed Review: “The Rosie Effect” by Graeme Simsion

Title: The Rosie Effect (Don Tillman #2)

Author: Graeme Simsion
Genre: Adult – Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 30th, 2014 (UK)
Published by: Penguin 

AUTHOR SITE  | TWITTER | GOODREADS                                                                        
I received this from Penguin (with thanks to LoveReading) in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 

Join everyone’s favourite unconventional couple Don Tillman and Rosie in the next chapter of their love story

With the Wife Project complete, Don settles happily into a new job and married life in New York. But it’s not long before certain events are taken out of his control and it’s time to embark on a new project . . .

As Don tries to get to grips with the requirements of starting a family, his unusual research style soon gets him into trouble. To make matters more difficult, Don has invited his closest friend to stay with them, but Gene is not exactly a prime example of marital happiness, and as his life with Rosie continues to be unpredictable Don needs to remember that emotional support is just as important as his practical expertise . . .

definition: a “speed review” is a new meme on Pretty Little Memoirs, specialized for short reads, galley copies, reviews for lovereading.co.uk or novellas!


With thanks to Lovereading.co.uk and Penguin for the copy of The Rosie Effect for review! 

First thought when this arrived in my mailbox: YAY, YAY, YAY! 

The Rosie Effect is the immensely and highly anticipated sequel to The Rosie Project. I thoroughly adored The Rosie Project last year and as anyone who has read the book will know, it’s pretty unique. 
Don Tillman is quite the inimitable character as we learned in his Wife search in book one, when he found the woman he would love called Rosie in his “Wife Project”. Now married to Rosie in a lovely ceremony and then living in New York, Don is slowly adapting to his new life. That’s until Rosie drops the unexpected news that she’s pregnant, and it shatters Don’s plan for the near future. So armed with this new news, Don has to rethink everything he planned for him and Rosie, creating a whole new project for him to focus on that inevitably starts one of the best novels I’ve read this year. 
Don and Rosie really are the most hilarious, unique and fun characters in a book you’ll find. They’ll have you in hysterics, then crying, and then laughing again. The Rosie Effect was the perfect addition to The Rosie Project and I can’t wait to read more from Graeme Simsion’s witty, imaginative writing style. A marvellous, incredible story that will be top of everyone’s to-read list! You’ll fall for Rosie and Don time after time. 5 stars doesn’t cover it.  




Have you read The Rosie Effect?


What did you think?


Tell me in the comments, on twitter or by using the hashtag #TheRosieEffect




happy reading!



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Speed Review: “The Fortune Hunter” by Daisy Goodwin


Title: The Fortune Hunter

Author: Daisy Goodwin
Genre: Adult – Historical Fiction 
Release Date: April 24th, 2014 (UK)
Published by: Headline

With thanks to Headline & Lovereading for the copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.




In 1875, Sisi, the Empress of Austria is the woman that every man desires and every woman envies. 


Beautiful, athletic and intelligent, Sisi has everything – except happiness.

Bored with her dutiful Empress life in Vienna she comes to England to hunt. She comes looking for excitement and she finds it in the dashing form of Captain Bay Middleton. Then years younger than her, Bay has everything to lose by falling for a woman who can never be his, for he is promised to Charlotte. But Bay and the Empress are reckless as each other, and their mutual attraction is a force that cannot be denied.

THE FORTUNE HUNTER tells the true story of a nineteenth century Queen of Hearts and cavalry captain, and the struggle between love and duty.

def: a “speed review” is a new meme on Pretty Little Memoirs, specialized for short reads, galley copies or novellas!

The Fortune Hunter was exactly how I imagined it; full of mesmerizing characters, a beautiful historical backdrop and a plot that kept pulling me in from the start. 

In 1875, where the novel is set, I can just imagine how striking and fascinating the world Daisy Goodwin had wrote about was. Sisi was one of the best characters I have read about recently, and reeled me in with her charisma and lead-character material. 
The romance was entrancing and powerful and the way Daisy writes about them is beyond absorbing. I haven’t read many Historical novels in all my time being an avid reader, but reading The Fortune Hunter makes me want to dive into all the potential of the genre. 
Full of gripping historical appeal and a whirlwind story, The Fortune Hunter is a book that no reader will want to miss!





Have you read The Fortune Hunter?



What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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Speed Review: “Letting Go” by Bridie Hall


Title: Letting Go

Author: Bridie Hall
Genre: Young Adult – Novella  
Release Date: Janurary 24th, 2014 (UK/USA)
Published by: Evernight Teen
Purchase at: Amazon

With thanks to Bridie for the copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.






One girl. Two Brothers. Three broken hearts.


Isabelle is left stranded at the airport, and her only chance of getting home is with her boyfriend’s older brother, Harper. 
When this good girl and bad boy set off towards home, it turns out that maybe she’s not such a good girl after all. And even bad boys have reasons for their bad behavior.

The road trip is full of shocking revelations and unexpected emotions, bringing the two of them closer than Isabelle ever thought possible. 
Maybe too close.

When Bridie offered a copy of Letting Go to me for review, I knew this was going to be a special kind of read for me. I haven’t read that many Novellas but straight from the synopsis, this looked like the perfect afternoon read for me. 

def: a “speed review” is a new meme on Pretty Little Memoirs, specialized for short reads, galley copies or novellas!

Isabelle is returning from Paris after some time away, and was looking forward to being picked up by her boyfriend Jamie. But there were many things Isabelle didn’t expect was going to happen that day, or the days to follow. First Jamie is unable to pick her up, so she’s stuck with Jamie’s older brother; Harper – who she has a bittersweet relationship with, her luggage was gone when she landed in Atlanta, and to make things worse, she’s got two guys vying for her affections.
The thing is, they’re brothers. And she’s only just finding out how heartbreaking and whirlwind the next few weeks will be for the three of them. 
Isabelle was a great narrator and character, and I loved that there was a lot of dialogue in the novel, because I think it really set the tone and kept me interested more than usual. She was very different to Harper, and I think because he had a slightly troubled background, Isabelle was very judging of his actions and past before she really got to know the real Harper. 
Letting Go is a novella I could read over and over. I was captured by the storyline and was taken along for the ride for the whole car “road-trip” and the days that followed. It was addictive and fun, and I was especially drawn in by Harper and Isabelle, no matter the things that came in-between them. She knew all along when she was with Jamie that there was something between her and Harper and I think that until those early pages of the book when we really get to see them together, interacting, does she really think; we have a connection. 
And I know that she was with Jamie first, but torn still, and I honestly thought that Harper brought out something special in her. 
The whole romance was cute and light, perfect for a Novella…but I wanted more! More than a Novella! I wanted to find out what would happen after the “the end” and more. There was a sheer brilliance about the whole setting of Letting Go and I’m actually so happy that I had the chance to get to read it, because I know if I hadn’t been offered to read it, I would be missing out completely. 
Pure sweet-romance, emotions and heartbreak, but ultimately, a love story that I loved. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! And speaking of Valentine’s Day, Bridie Hall has a Valentine’s themed giveaway going on over on her website, so click here for a chance to win!


Have you read Letting Go?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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Speed Review: “Divine Vices” by Melissa Parkin

Title: Divine Vices (Divine Vices #1)

Author: Melissa Parkin
Genre: Young Adult – Paranormal / Fantasy
Release Date: November 1st, 2013




With thanks to Melissa Parkin for the copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.

Danger seldom leaves its victims unscathed in the ways of seduction, and this lesson is one that sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster now knows all too well. 


Nine months following the traumatic accident that claimed the life of her mother and sister, this high school junior has at last found a fresh start in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine. In the company of her best friends, Ian and Gwen, she’s bracing the usual turmoil of adolescence and taking all in stride… until the new transfer student, Jackson Matthews, comes walking into her life. He’s arrogant, sarcastic, roguish, devastatingly sexy, and the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. But when circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself a bit too close for comfort as their bond intensifies. 
Plagued by unexplainable events, a sudden string of disappearances, and even a cult-related murder, Cassie begins to fear for her life. Is it all just a coincidence that these happenings began when this Casanova strolled into town, or has she in fact fallen for a real lady-killer, or worse?

I was so intrigued by the premise of Divine Vices, as soon as I read the description Melissa sent me, so I immediately wanted to delve in. The synopsis is very informative about Cassie, but very vague as to what darkness lurked within the novel, and that made me more enticed! 

def: a “speed review” is a new feature on Pretty Little Memoirs consisting of shorter reads and eBooks that I’ve read in a quick and event-filled review

Divine Vices took me on quite a roller-coaster! We learn that Cassie Foster had lost her Mom and Sister to a traumatic event, nine months previous to the starting point of the book, and that she’s managing to push through that in a new town as school and life in general continues. Cassie and her father seem to have a very strong bond, that we see right from the start, too, although we see that differ as Cassie goes through the novel with the occurrences that take place. 

What I loved the most was definitely how Divine Vices started in the Prologue – it definitely made for a page turner, and I must have read half the book straight after taking a peak at the prologue, so that will say something about just how enthralling it was! Melissa wrote in such a way that each voice was distinctive from the next and painted a vivid picture of possibly what they would sound and look like in person, which hit my favourite things when I’m reading right on the mark. But even then in the Prologue, the road for where the novel will go is still unclear and left me wanting to find out just what was going to happen next, which gives way for what’s to come. 

Cassie is a very strong narrator and girl, overall. I actually really enjoyed reading in her perspective, because she was a very aware and the way she just is seems to me like she’s lived through a lot and survived it, making her stronger on the inside. She was also a great friend to Ian and Gwen, so that made her an even better person as a whole. And her style of dressing wasn’t very mainstream, so it gave her a twinge of unique to add to the many great things about her character. 

Jackson, where do I start? He was the perfect mix of sarcastic, handsomely described, and the perfect bad boy we all love in a novel. He reminded me a lot of a Patch-esque character from Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush series and had some elements of good-hearted characteristics too, especially for Cassie. Their romance was a favourite part of the novel for me, because it wasn’t all smooth-sailing and it wasn’t that girl-meets-boy and falls head over heels, it had depth and connection, although it was a very quick realisation that there was that connection. But still a favourite thing for me!

The plot was fast-paced, addictive and definitely fitted in with what I love in a Fantasy book, alike the feeling I had for similar books in the genre. Divine Vices in itself was unique in it’s setting and Fantasy world as a whole, and I loved the different turn Melissa took the book on than what I had expected, so a surprising turn of events added to the mix left me wanting more. And that ending! Suspenseful doesn’t cut it. 


4 Cats: Amazing. Really enjoyed it!


Have you read Divine Vices?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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Book Review: “Pawn” (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimée Carter



Title: Pawn  (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)

Author: Aimée Carter
Genre: Young Adult – Dystopian
Release Date: January 3rd, 2014

Other Books by Author: The Goddess Test (The Goddess Test #1),  Goddess Interrupted (The Goddess Test #2)

Published by: Mira Ink


With thanks to Mira Ink for the eBook galley copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.

Are you more than the number on the back of your neck? 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister’s niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There’s only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered. The same one that got her killed…and one Kitty believes in. 
Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that’s not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she’s only beginning to understand.

I have been dying to get my hands on Pawn for quite some time. Dystopian novels are very rarely dull for me, and I get on with them like a house on fire. So I was super happy when I got a Galley from Mira Ink to read Pawn and all it’s enthralling enticements!

Pawn will always be a favourite of mine – the first book I read of 2014, too! Not to mention in just a few days I read it all (and insomnia-fueled nights…). 

I was surprised with every new turn of events and it wasn’t at all predictable or similar to anything out there…

It’s so clear to me that my favourite thing about Pawn is it’s unique telling of Dystopia at it’s best. The futuristic United States was so believable and well-detailed that it truly seemed like that could actually exist. As with all Dystopian novels, there is something that makes that world different to our own present day one, and Aimée Carter’s novel focuses more on the Society and Political aspects, where you’re given a number from a test on your 17th birthday. 5 or over is really good, 2 and 3 are ordinary, and 1 is…well, one. 
Kitty, our narrator, get’s offered a seven, which means that she would have to become a different person all together. She would be Masked. She would become Lila Hart, the Prime Minister’s niece who died suspiciously. Kitty would have everything rich and famous, not to mention loved and above all, she would be at the top of Society and not looked down on by the higher ranks as a three. 
I was drawn into Pawn and couldn’t take my eyes away. I’ve read many Dystopian novels over this past year (and the rest, ha ha) but this one was special. Not only did it make me envious that this wasn’t my book, but it made me think about the plot and mystery even when I had put the book down and the last pages were read. 
That’s what I call a five-star read. A game changer. 

Kitty was the lead character and of course I liked her best. She was smart, wise and headstrong, all the best things we like in our lead heroines. Even when she was Lila, she was still the Kitty we loved at heart. Seeing her personality stay the same was one of my favourite parts of the transformation between Kitty and Lila. How often can you actually get to walk in someone else’s shoes? It’s such an original plot. 
Aside from being newly rich and loved, Kitty still had a boyfriend; Benji. He was sweet and so loyal to her. Even when she had to let him go and leave him behind, they were reunited soon after and I was pleasantly surprised that the romance in the book was very subtle and didn’t divide the Dystopian setting. Just a hint of romance. 
Though, Lila had a fiancé, which meant Kitty now had a fiancé. And his name was Knox. There was some unmissable chemistry between him and Kitty, that I wasn’t sure would possibly develop into something else…but I’m hoping for Kitty and Benji, because they were the sweetest. I can’t wait to see what happens with these characters and the rest when the series continues! Definitely one to watch. 

This is an unmissable, stunning dystopian novel with the unique and unpredictable aspects that everyone loves.  In a league of it’s own, truly.

Recommendations: for anyone who loves YA Dystopia or Post-Apocalyptic novels will love this. If you’re looking for your first dystopian read, then Pawn is also a great starting point and will set a huge bar that so many can’t beat. If you’re a fan of Aimée’s other novels and love her writing style, then you’ll definitely want this one on your shelf!


Have you read “Pawn“?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!
happy reading!
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Speed Review: “The Moment Before” by Suzy Vitello













Title: The Moment Before
Author: Suzy Vitello
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary
Release Date: January 14th, 2014

Other Books by Author: Unkiss Me 

Published by: Diversion Books



With thanks to Diversion Books for the eBook galley copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.




“Don’t get me wrong. I loved my sister. I never, not once, wished her dead.”
Brady and Sabine Wilson are sisters born eleven months apart, but they couldn’t be more different. Popular Sabine, the head cheerleader dating the high school hunk, seems to have all the luck, while her younger, artsy sister “Brady Brooder” is a loner who prefers the sidelines to the limelight.  
After Sabine dies in a horrific cheerleading accident, grief unravels Brady and her family. Once recognized for her artistic talent, 17-year-old Brady finds herself questioning the value of everything she once held dear. Her best friend betrays her. Her parents’ marriage is crumbling. And the boy everyone blames for the accident seems to be her only ally in the search for answers in the wake of her sister’s death. As an unlikely friendship emerges, Brady learns more about Sabine – and love – than she bargained for.

 The premise instantly attracted me to the story. It looked a little like The Sky Is Everywhere meets a Susane Colasanti book, so I was intrigued to see if my good vibes were right about The Moment Before.


def: a “speed review” is a new feature on Pretty Little Memoirs consisting of shorter reads and eBooks that I’ve read in a quick and event-filled review

Not only is this an incredible coming-of-age story with quirks, but the characters and plot are so strong that almost instantly, I was reading more and more and the time just passed so quickly when I was enveloped in The Moment Before‘s world. 

Brady is such an intriguing, powerful character who not only has to come to terms with the death of her sister, but now that that event has ricochetted her life values around and things she used to believe in and her thoughts about elements of her life, are all changing along with her changes in herself. Brady also has to look at the side of the story that could prove that she didn’t know her sister; Sabine, so well, after all, with secrets surrounding her.

Brady was portrayed so well and as close to a real-life teenager as possible. She was angry for her sister dying, she was annoyed with her sister for no longer being alive and being able to hide under that shadow of being the younger sister of the popular cheerleader. But she was witty and likeable, too. Although she didn’t have that much self-assurance in herself and I think she just liked to please other people other than putting herself first, she was extremely selfless in that way. 

Connor was likeable (ish), like Brady, and although they were a good combination of characters apart, something about them, just like the turn in events nearer the end, made me see that they could be good together. But all Brady can think at first is: this is the guy who killed my sister, because that’s all they know…at that time. He wasn’t so much of a character I connected with a lot, just like Martha or Nick. I really wasn’t a fan of Martha. I thought all along that Brady deserved a better friend, 100%. 

BUT saying that, just because I didn’t like some of the other characters, I liked Brady and because she was the main character, I loved this book. Seriously. It was the perfect coming-of-age story, mixed with emotion and friendship/relationship dramas. Just an all-round amazing read. 



Have you read The Moment Before?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!
happy reading!
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Speed Review: “Becoming Alpha” (Alpha Girl #1) by Aileen Erin











Title: Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl #1)
Author: Aileen Erin
Genre: Young Adult – Paranormal
Release Date: December 17th, 2013

Other Books by Author: 

Published by: Ink Monster




With thanks to Ink Monster for the eBook galley copy of this novel! As always, my reviews are non-bias and fair.







One stupid party. One stupid boy. One stupid kiss. And my life was virtually over. 




Tessa McCaide has a unique talent for getting into trouble. Then again, it isn’t easy for a girl with visions to ignore what she sees. Luckily Tessa and her family are leaving California and moving halfway across the country, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave her reputation as “Freaky Tessa” behind. 




But Tessa doesn’t realize that kissing the wrong guy in her new Texas town could land her in far more trouble than she ever imagined. Like being forced to attend St. Ailbe’s Academy, a secret boarding school for werewolves. 


Even if the wrong guy did accidentally turn her into one of “them” and doom her to attending the weirdest high school ever, Tessa can’t help her growing attraction to the mysterious Dastien Laurent. 


When vampires attack St. Alibe’s and her visions pinpoint an enemy in their midst, Tessa realizes that boy drama and her newfound canine tendencies might just be the least of her problems.

def: a “speed review” is a new feature on Pretty Little Memoirs consisting of shorter reads and eBooks that I’ve read in a quick and event-filled review.
Becoming Alpha is the first in the amazing new werewolf series by Aileen Erin, and just happens to be one of the first books I’ve read with the main character being a werewolf, except the Shiver series. I love shows like Teen Wolf, Vampire Diaries and The Originals, so the whole “werewolf” and “vampire” thing is pretty straight forward for me, and it’s something I already know so many variants of. 
Needless to say, I wasn’t let down at all by the first Alpha Girl novel. 
First up; the WOW plot! There aren’t many authors out there that can pull off Vampires, Werewolves, a Romance within the story and not to mention all the spells going on and the gifted characters. It was just so addictive that I just got caught up in the plot so easily and ended up loving it for these aspects in particular. And the whole storyline of how Tessa became a werewolf is just so different to how it was in, like, Teen Wolf for example, which was also really refreshing.
Characters! Right. Tessa was extremely likeable and I connected really quick with her. She was one of those effortless types of main characters that was a true breath of fresh air, because there’s nothing worse than not being able to connect with the person telling you the story. So that was really great. Dastien…okay, he did grow on me by the end, so he was a character-in-progress for me throughout the book. I wouldn’t say I hated him or anything, but maybe I just connected with Tessa better? 
Let’s talk about that cover…the illustrated-type of cover is such a change from a usual cover, and makes it look all the more unique alike the story. Overall, I was just so happily lost in the world and got swept up with everything in awe. There’s truly nothing like the first in the Alpha Girl series, and I can’t wait to read the rest!


Have you read Becoming Alpha?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!
happy reading!

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